By Stefan Coerts

The versatile midfielder is eager to return to the Camp Nou side at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, and has nothing but fond memories of his time at the club

Ibrahim Afellay has not given up on his dream of succeeding at Barcelona just yet and says he is determined to return to the Blaugrana once his loan deal with Schalke expires.

The attacking midfielder joined the Gelsenkirchen side on a one-year loan deal at the start of the 2012-13 campaign, but a permanent switch to Germany does not seem to be an option for Afellay at this point.

"It is my goal to return to Barcelona. When I look back at my time at the club, I can only be positive about it," Afellay told OnsOranje.nl.

"We always had so much fun on the training pitch. When I returned home after a practice session, I could hardly wait for the next day. You really notice that you are improving as a player.

"I still speak with guys like Andres Iniesta and Xavi on a regular basis. They are among the best players in the world. [Lionel] Messi is the best of the best.

"They are extremely committed. There's no other way, though, if you are to perform at such a high level."

Afellay has made 14 appearances for Schalke since joining the Bundesliga side.